This week, global biotech company Enzene Biosciences Ltd. announced it will open a state-of-the-art biopharmaceutical manufacturing plant on the Princeton West Innovation Campus in Hopewell.

The new facility, which is slated to begin operations next June, will be the company’s first location outside of India. Enzene plans to initially hire 50 employees at the facility and eventually up to 300 employees as part of its expansion plans.

“Enzene Biosciences is thrilled to establish our manufacturing operations in New Jersey, as it allows us to extend our local manufacturing capabilities to our valued North American clients,” said Dr. Himanshu Gadgil, CEO of Enzene Biosciences, in a press release. “We are excited to provide them with access to our cutting-edge continuous manufacturing platform, which enables streamlined and efficient production processes.

“New Jersey’s highly skilled workforce, state-of-the-art infrastructure, and renowned academic institutions make it an ideal location for Enzene, ensuring that we can deliver exceptional services and support to our clients in the U.S.,” Gadgil said.

State officials, economic development leaders, and life sciences stakeholders applauded the announcement.

Gov. Phil Murphy said he is proud to welcome Enzene to the Garden State’s flourishing life sciences industry.

“The strong relationship between New Jersey and India has gained increasing momentum since we opened the New Jersey India Center to cultivate economic opportunities during our trip to the country in 2019,” said Murphy. “New Jersey’s favorable business environment, skilled workforce, strategic location, supportive ecosystem for growth, and deep cultural ties are why Indian companies thrive in our state. Enzene Biosciences’ state-of-the-art manufacturing facility will bring hundreds of jobs and generate $50 million in economic investments in our state, further solidifying New Jersey’s position as an innovation economy leader.”

Choose New Jersey met representatives from Enzene during a 2022 business attraction mission to India. The company’s New Jersey expansion was also supported by the New Jersey India Center, Reed Smith and JLL, who along with Choose New Jersey assisted in ways such as connecting the company with in-state partners, facilitating legal needs and representing the property.

“Yet another Indian biopharma company has established itself in the state, demonstrating the strength of the New Jersey-India economic partnership,” said Wesley Mathews, president and CEO of Choose New Jersey. “Beyond economic and commercial ties, our academic and cultural connections make it the perfect fit for Indian companies looking to expand to North America. Enzene’s growth in this sector highlights New Jersey’s global presence throughout all areas of the biopharmaceutical industry – from clinical trials to large-scale manufacturing.”

“With its extensive drug development know-how and experience, Enzene will be a valuable addition to New Jersey’s robust life sciences ecosystem – bringing innovative medicines to patients around the world,” said Debbie Hart, BioNJ president and CEO.

Sandeep Singh, managing director at Alkem Laboratories Ltd., the parent company of Enzene, said that the strategic expansion to New Jersey demonstrates its commitment to investing in Biologics Contract Development and Manufacturing Organization (CDMO).

“This move not only strategically positions Enzene but also enables them to attract top talent and forge valuable partnerships that will expedite their contract manufacturing capabilities,” said Singh. “Additionally, New Jersey’s business-friendly environment creates a conducive atmosphere for investment and growth in the biopharmaceutical sector. By establishing a presence in New Jersey, Enzene ensures its long-term viability and success as a trusted partner in delivering comprehensive CDMO services for contract manufacturing.”